The Metabolic Syndrome and Atherogenesis

Abstract

The metabolic syndrome refers to a constellation of abnormalities that are ­associated with increased cardiometabolic risk. Important components of this cluster, such as visceral obesity, insulin resistance, a dyslipidemic state, a thrombotic diathesis, and an inflammatory profile, synergistically contribute to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. There is no universal agreement on exactly how to define the metabolic syndrome, as multiple bodies have established different sets of criteria for this condition. Moreover, not all agree it is actually a “syndrome.” Despite these issues, many think that the concept of the metabolic syndrome reflects high-risk individuals they often encounter in practice and, therefore, offers clinical utility. This chapter illustrates the components of the metabolic syndrome, how they associate with each other, and mechanisms by which they aggravate atherothrombosis.

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